Specs for all generations of Kia Rio

Kia Rio is classified as a subcompact car or a supermini, thus is smaller than compact vehicles.

Kia Rio is available in a four-door sedan and three- and five-door hatchback body style. Hatchback variants measure between 3990 mm (157.09 in.) and 4240 mm (166.93 in.) in length, 1675 mm (65.94 in.) and 1725 mm (67.91 in.) in width, and 1440 mm (56.69 in.) and 1470 mm (57.87 in.) in height.

Regardless of the particular modification, Kia Rio is generally an efficient choice. The range offers a couple of mild hybrid options, as well, to bring consumption and emissions figures even lower. But even non-hybrid Rio vehicles, such as the 1.4 CRDi variants, achieve impressive fuel economy of 3.4 - 4.3 l/100 km (69.18 - 54.7 mpg).

Kia Rio 1.1 CRDI is among the most fuel efficient in the range. Its consumption figures stand at 3.6 l/100 km (65.34 mpg).

Kia Rio, equipped with a 1.0 T-GDI engine, can reach a top speed of between 188 km/h (116.82 mph) and 190 km/h (118.06 mph), depending on the particular modification.

Automatic transmissions were not introduced to the Kia Rio range until its second generation was released in 2005. So, first generation variants (both pre-facelift and facelift), which includes 2002 model year ones, as well, are only offered with manual transmissions.

The latest Kia Rio, introduced in 2020, features an upgraded set of safety and driver assistance technologies. Such are the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), and Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW). Some trims also come with Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Intelligent Speed Limit Warning (ISLW), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), Rear Occupant Alert (ROA), Smart Cruise Control (SCC), and Lane Following Assist (LFA), the last two ensuring the car keeps a safe distance from the one in front and stays in the center of its lane at speeds of up to 180 km/h. Another interesting feature, also available on some trims, is Leading Vehicle Departure Alert, which in heavy traffic and at red lights, alerts the driver if the car in front moves away, in case they got distracted and didn’t notice.

According to most owners, Kia Rio’s reliability is average, which nowadays is actually quite okay, this also being justified by the price of the model. While it’s being described as solid, well-equipped, and practical, issues like bumpy ride, excess noise, the engine misfiring, and stalling are also reported.